Abstract
The previous chapters described the theoretical and methodological evolution of our empirical study, detailing how it was conceptualised in terms of existing debates about sexuality in which heterosexuality is presented as an ‘unmarked’, taken-for-granted category of analysis, and a system of relations, assumed by many feminists, to have historically privileged men. The starting point for our study was to move beyond feminist assumptions about the inevitability of women’s subordination to men through heterosexual relationships. The aim was to test feminist assumptions about gender relations and heterosexuality against the experiences of women and men living out heterosexuality on a daily basis. Through our data, we present the limitations of arguments premised upon top-down, repressive patriarchal power, highlighting the diversity of heterosexualities which women and men inhabit; and the agency of women (and men) within institutionalised heterosexuality.
Keywords
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2007 Jenny Hockey, Angela Meah and Victoria Robinson
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Hockey, J., Meah, A., Robinson, V. (2007). A Heterosexual Life: Agency and Structure. In: Mundane Heterosexualities. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230596948_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230596948_3
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-230-27347-4
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-59694-8
eBook Packages: Palgrave Social & Cultural Studies CollectionSocial Sciences (R0)